The Arc Zip has all the same design features as the Arc Blast, except with a large Zipper opening on the front of the pack to conveniently access your gear. It also has a large center pocket made with solid material and a zipper.

All Arc backpacks have our patented 'Flexed Arc' frame which creates an air gap against your back. The air space keeps your back cool and also provides a buffer from any lumpy items in your pack. The curve of the frame is adjustable for optimal air flow and fit. No extra padding necessary.

The pack is constructed from tough 2.92 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber). This material has ultra high strength Dyneema fiber on the inside with a protective layer of 50 denier Polyester on the outside. The outer layer gives it even more strength, prevents fraying, and gives it a nice solid color. The material and design can handle loads up to 35 lbs (16 kg).

Please check out this Video of the Arc Blast Backpack Features. The Arc Zip is the exact same backpack, except with a zipper opening and zipper center pocket added.Our ultralight 'Flexed Arc' frame keeps the pack stiff so that most weight is carried on the hips instead of the shoulders. The frame pieces and mesh back panel can be easily removed or replaced.

The frame is curved to allow air flow and keep your back cushioned from the pack's contents. You can adjust the curve by tensioning the mesh back panel. The recommended arch is about 2.5" (6 cm).The belt is attached directly to the bottom of the pack frame for the best load transfer. The belt is removable and interchangeable. If you lose weight or need to share the pack between people the belt can be swapped out. Watch the belt removal video. The shoulder straps and load lifter straps are attached directly to the frame. Load lifters straps come standard on this pack.The shoulder straps can move up or down to adjust the torso height to a perfect fit. It works like a conveyor belt. This is great for sharing the pack between people, for growing teenagers, or for resale.The belt provides a full wrap around your back. No need for additional lumbar support.The belt is done with "V Style" webbing so that the top and bottom circumference can be adjusted independently. This helps wrap your hips much more securely, and prevents the belt from sliding down.Collectively these features provide the additional load transfer necessary for loads up to around 35 lbs (16 kg).

Standard Backpack Features:

The pack body is accessed through a large zipper opening on the face of the backpack. The zipper is a #5 waterproof zipper. The top of the pack also has a Roll Top closure (like our dry bags) which keeps water out, and lets you roll down the top as your gear load shrinks. All seams and attachment points are taped, making the pack highly water resistant. We still suggest using dry bags for your important items like your sleeping bag.Two internal horizontal compression straps take stress off of the zipper entry.Comfy 3/8" thick by 2.5" wide padded contoured shoulder straps and padded belt. Both the straps and the belt have a daisy chain for clipping on items, and an adjustable position sternum strap is also included. The belt and shoulder straps have 3D mesh on the underside. This gives them a little bit more cushion, and the belt also has more texture for better grip.Side pockets are sized to fit 1 or 1.5 liter bottles. They are positioned low on the pack and slanted forward for easy access without removing the pack. The pockets have drainage holes at the bottom, and elastic that keeps them tight at the top.The large center pocket is made with solid material and has a waterproof zipper opening. It can swallow two ultralight tents, or other similarly sized gear with room to spare.Side compression straps are made from non-stretchy Dyneema cord for squishing down the pack volume. They also allow you to stand tall items like trekking poles in the side pockets.A top strap, and base straps allow you to lash on extra items to the top or base of the pack. The straps come off if you don't need them.A centrally located Hydration Port is included to string out a drinking tube over either the left or right shoulder. It is just above/between the shoulder straps and it has a triangular cover to keep out water. A water bladder can either be hung from an internal hang loop, or laid horizontally on top of your gear.The pack size has enough space for 5-6 days of food and ultralight gear. The pack can be compressed down with the roll top and side compression straps for short trips, or use the top strap and base straps to lash extra stuff to to the outside for long carries. All standard Bear Canisters, including the Bearikade Expedition and the BearVault 500 will fit in the upper half of this pack standing on end. There is enough extra girth to either wrap a foam pad around the canister (if you use one), or stand a medium stuff sack vertically beside the bear canister. The short and medium size frames will fit into an airplane overhead bin with the top rolled down to the frame. The tall size frame may not fit unless you pop the vertical frame bars out of the pack.All Zpacks gear has a one year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Returns or exchanges are welcome.For more info check out the Backpack FAQs. Make sure to hop down to the bottom of the page for Reviews and Testimonials

A person's torso height doesn't necessarily correlate to their total height, a taller person can have a shorter torso and vice versa.

To measure your torso height, you will need the help of friend and a string or cloth tape measure. To begin, lower your neck towards your chest. This will cause the C7 vertebra to protrude at the base of your neck. The C7 vertebra marks the top of your torso. Next wrap your hands around your love handles and then use your thumbs to feel for the top of your hipbones; also know as the iliac crest. The bottom point of your torso height measurement will be along your spine at the center point between your thumbs. Using the cloth tape measure, follow the curve of your spine from the C7 vertebra to the center of your spine at the top of your iliac crest. This measurement is your torso height.

The torso height on this pack is adjustable up and down within a range for a perfect fit. If your torso is under 17" (43 cm) consider the Arc Scout which is built for shorter torso heights.

Belt Size:

To measure your belt size use a string or cloth tape measure pulled tight around the spot on your body that you want the belt to ride. Usually this will be near the top of your pelvic bone. The tape measure should be over top of your hiking pants and shirt. Do not rely on your pant size.

A medium belt will adjust from about 30-45 inches (76-114 cm). It has 30 inches of padding, and the webbing extends out another 15 inches.

Choose a belt with a minimum adjustment at least a few inches smaller than your measurement so that you can tighten it down.

The belt on this pack is removable and interchangeable. It can be swapped out.

Ordering:

Backpacks are made to order and are currently shipping in about three weeks. Delivery by Christmas is not guaranteed. There may also be lightly used gear in our Bargain Bin.